How to Find the Best Pharmacist Tech Program Near Florence Alabama

Now that you have made the decision to attain your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near FlorenceAL, you may be thinking about how to select the right program to get your education and training. Of course the initial step is to find schools that offer the diploma or degree that you would like to earn. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are critical concerns when choosing a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications including accreditation and reputation need to be considered also. And if you are interested in attending classes in your home by means of your computer as opposed to in a classroom, then finding an accredited online program will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the advantages of online classes.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Pharmacy Tech Career Below

Pharmacy Technician Degree Programs

Individuals desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are essentially two options to training to be a technician regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which usually can be completed in a year or less. These programs provide an introduction to the different elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also include an internship at an approved Florence AL pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which generally involves about 2 years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does offer a more expansive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

It is not required to earn certification in every state, but many graduates of pharmacy tech programs opt to get certified so as to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, many Florence AL pharmacies will only employ a technician that has earned certification. There are two organizations that provide certification:

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

The NHA requirements are that the candidate be at least 18 years old, has graduated from high school, has finished a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB just requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is called for every 2 years by each program, which can be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Classes

Prior to selecting a pharmacist technician online school, it's important to realize that the majority of schools do require a portion of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is commonly satisfied in a local Florence pharmacy or health center through an internship program. Students often will have the benefit of working with a seasoned pharmacy tech so as to get some work place experience. Fortunately the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken over the internet in your Florence AL home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for many students, particularly for those who continue to work while attaining their certificate or degree. And online colleges are often less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and costs for driving and study materials may be decreased significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a comprehensive education is provided. But not all online programs are accredited, which is important for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So check that each online college you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to learn with a less formal type of education, then online training might be the best option for you.

How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Florence

Enroll in the Best Florence Pharmacy Technician School

Getting the right pharmacist technician training is an important first step to beginning your career in a gratifying profession where helping people with their wellness is your mission. Traditionally, many pharmacy technicians were trained "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of employers can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated technicians. Training is offered by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. Most pharmacy tech programs include both clinical and classroom work. As we have covered in this article, it's necessary to choose a college that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This is true both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. With the proper education and determination you can realize your goal of becoming a pharmacist tech in Florence Alabama.

 

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